Proposal - Sustainable Trust. Patron Satish Kurnar
Preliminary Proposal for project at Carwynnen (the Giants) Quoit at SW373650
By the Sustainable Trust (www.sustrust.co.uk) 27th March 07
The Quoit, also known as Pendarves Cromlech, is offered with 5 acres of land giving access to the road. It is a ScheduledAncientMonument and attempts have been made to purchase restore it in the past. The land upon which it sits (known as the Frying Pan Field) is currently set aside by a bulb growing company. It is adjacent to Pendarves Nature Reserve, managed by the Cornwall Wildlife Trust.
Phase one of the project will encompass purchasing the land, opening access to the road, planting approximately 4 acres with oak & hazel, fencing the site, erecting an information board and publicising the project, holding various events involving interested groups but aimed at a wider audience.
An independent valuation has been sought.
The site is unique. It is the only Cromlech or Dolmen in the Kerrier District and one of two totally collapsed, unrestored similar monuments in Cornwall (Lesquite, near Bodmin is the other).
Mentioned in 1872 by W. Copeland Borlase, it has long been recognised by antiquarians and archaeologists as a site of national importance. In support we have an article written by Professor Charles Thomas stating that it dates from the Middle or late Neolithic period. It is mentioned in ‘The Romance of the Stones’ by Robin Payne and in ‘Meyn Mamvro’ a magazine established for 20 years celebrating ancient stones in Cornwall. Letters of support have already been received from the Cornwall Heritage Trust, the Duchy of Cornwall and the chairperson of CASPN, Cornwall Ancient Sites Protection Network, along with emails from Ann Preston Jones and Peter Herring, Principal Archaeologist at Cornwall County Council. Camborne Town Council is supportive of this initiative. They would welcome perpetual protection by the Trust for the benefit of the public. The land sits near a deprived area where young people need to be put back in touch with their heritage. Our aims are mainly concerned with sustainable development and the advancement of the education of the public in the ecology, conservation and management of different habitats. We are long term managers of historic woodland (40H, 75 acres on the Clowance Estate nearby) for community use, and have experience of running events and a voluntary group there.
The local community will be encouraged to celebrate their heritage through historical research (e.g. involving CAVA at the Tremough campus who are running an audio project on peoples memories of the area), re-enactments and a website. The site is also near the Mineral Tramways project.
The project will increase opportunities for learning about heritage through the schools, colleges and university and U3A. Other groups who will be invited to participate are:- The John Harris Society ( a local poet 1820-1884) , Camborne Old Cornwall Society, The Cornish Earth Mysteries Group, West Cornwall Dowsers, the local Astronomical Society, The Cornwall Wildlife Trust, The Ramblers, The Rohan Group, Friends of Cornwall’s Ancient Sites, Cornish Ancient Sites Protection Network. Crowan Footpaths and Bridleways association, The Farming and Wildlife Advisory Group, The Brownies, Guides and Scouts who camp on the land nearby. The Cornwall Centre and CountyMuseum.
Pentreath Industries, The Drym Valley Centre, Kehelland Horticultural Centre for recovering individuals or those with learning disabilities. These 3 organisations are known to us and have helped with tree plantings and catering for events in Crenver Grove.
Proposed Events to date:
Community Tree planting to reinstate the previously richly wooded area. CWT would be involved along with local school environment clubs. We could leave a ‘Frying Pan’ shaped area as access to and around the quoit. (Nov.or Dec 07).
A ‘Tea Treat’ event after completing the walk from Camborne Beacon involving the historical and archaeological groups, along with the dowsers. Speakers and printed materials would be available for this event.
An event celebrating the work of CAVA with an invited audience who may wish to participate.
A small mammal survey, together with the Cornwall Biological records group (erccis)
The John Harris society outing and poetry reading along with the Camborne Art Group and photographic society, to coincide with the ‘Serpentine Dance’ held at TroonSchool.
An Art event with Camborne Art & Photographic Societies. Competition for illustrations of restoration of the quoit?
One other way which the project will improve people’s quality of life is by providing another open space. It will encourage walkers, birdwatchers and botanical recorders to enjoy the countryside and lead a healthier life.
Demand for the project can be demonstrated by the previous attempt to restore this site (newspaper article available), and further letters from interested parties.
The work will be of a high quality. Professionals and experts will be engaged. (Please see Crenver Gate on www.sustrust.co.uk in the Natural Resources section.)
As well as enhancing the visual impact of this area, the wildlife corridor will be extended between adjacent woodlands. Biodiversity will be increased as well as the age diversity of the woodland on the old Pendarves Estate. One of our Trustees is a Chartered Landscape Architect, one is a Construction Contracts Manager and the third is the National Union of Teachers representative for Cornwall. All have 30 years experience in their chosen field.
Pip Richards
Administrator
The Sustainable Trust
Keepers Cottage,
Clowance Estate
Praze an Beeble
Camborne
Cornwall TR14 0NQ
01209 831718 (ph/fax)
07789 600941
sustrust@aol.com
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